Ways of Giving

The Marshall University Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 public charity as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and all gifts are tax deductible as permitted by law.

• Gifts of Cash
• Gifts of Appreciated Securities
• Real Estate
• Life Income Plans or Living Trusts
• Corporate Matching Gifts
• Other Ways of Giving

Gifts of Cash

Gifts of cash are the most common form of giving. Outright gifts of cash to The Marshall University Foundation Inc. are charitable contributions and qualify for deductions on your federal income tax return for those who itemize deductions. Cash gifts may be unrestricted and serve the greatest needs of Marshall or restricted for a specific program.

Cash gifts also may be used to establish a charitable trust or gift annuity, both of which provide you with a lifetime income, a significant income tax benefit and an opportunity to make a substantial deferred gift to Marshall.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities

Many donors who have held securities for more than one year have seen those investments appreciate in value. By making a gift of those securities to the Foundation, you gain an immediate tax deduction of the market value of the gift as permitted by law. You may also be able to carry forward any unused part of the contribution over a specific period of time.

In periods of rising markets, securities may be a particularly attractive method of giving. To complete a transfer, you may present securities to the Foundation with a "stock power" or endorse each certificate on the back. Endorsed certificates should be hand-carried or sent by registered mail to the Foundation. The specific value of a securities gift is determined by the average price between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices on the valuation date. If the securities have depreciated in value, it may be advisable to sell them at a loss and then give the proceeds to the Foundation. The proceeds will be treated as a cash gift and a capital loss may be claimed on your income tax return. Please contact Sandi Barnes Wilmoth at (304)696-6297 or toll free at 866-308-1346 if you are planning an electronic transfer of securities.

If you wish to make a stock gift to Marshall University, the instructions are:

DTC: Bank One, NA
DTC Participant 2255
Account #9371546900
Marshall University Foundation Account

Our Bank One contact is Tony Mitchell or Stephanie Drake at 866-300-6222.

Cash gifts can be wired to:
Bank One
ABA #044000037
Account #9371546900
Marshall University Foundation Account
Credit – 980401787

You can also contact Jeff Biederman, Sr. of Smith Barney at 304-529-1000.

Or you can make a credit card gift online at www.mucampaign.org

Questions, please call Sandi Barnes Wilmoth, Finance Manager at the Foundation, at 304-696-6297 or toll free at 866-308-1346.

Real Estate
A gift of appreciated real estate provides an immediate tax deduction of the value of the property.You may choose to fund a life income plan or other trust with the proceeds from the sale of real estate.

You may donate your home or farm to the university and retain a lifetime right to use the property, or stipulate that certain family members may have a life interest in the property, through an arrangement called a "life estate contract." This approach has attractive tax benefits because it provides an immediate income tax deduction and also reduces your estate tax liability upon death. You may contact the Office of Development if you are interested in this form of gift.

The Marshall University Foundation Inc. reserves the right to refuse a gift of property if it does not serve the best interests of the university.

Life Income Plans or Living Trusts
If you wish to make a gift to the Foundation, but first want to provide for income during your lifetime or that of your spouse or other family member, the following may be of interest.

Gift Annuity: The gift annuity is a combination of a gift to the Foundation and an annuity. In return for your gift of cash, securities and/or real estate, the Foundation provides you with a contract that will pay you a fixed amount on a scheduled basis during your lifetime.

The gift annuity provides an immediate income tax deduction for the value of the gift based on Internal Revenue Service life expectancy tables and your age. Also, a portion of the annuity payment is tax-free return of the original principal. The combination of partially tax-free income and the initial charitable tax deduction makes this agreement quite attractive.

Corporate Matching Gifts

Many businesses have matching gift programs which will multiply contributions by two, three or four times and will match gifts of retirees, spouses and non-employee directors. Donors are urged to take advantage of matching gift programs when possible. Check with the personnel or community relations office in your company for details.

Other Ways of Giving

Other ways to give to The Marshall University Foundation Inc. include the donation of book collections, art works, maps, furniture, equipment and many other items that can be used for legitimate educational purposes. The tax value of these gifts is a matter determined by you and qualified appraisers and approved by the Internal Revenue Service. Gifts such as these are charitable contributions and are deductible to the full extent allowed by law. The Marshall University Foundation Inc. reserves the right to refuse a gift if it does not meet the educational purposes of the university.

We would be pleased to meet with you, your attorney and other advisors to discuss the most convenient method for you to make a financial commitment to Marshall. The information provided here is not a substitute for qualified legal or financial counsel. Remember, tax and estate laws change frequently. We urge you to seek legal advice to ensure that your preferences are fully accomodated.

All gifts are made to: The Marshall University Foundation Inc.